Step into this 20,000 cubic metre biodome that mimics a tropical rainforest habitat. Come face-to-face with its furry and feathered inhabitants as you journey through the various layers of the rainforest.
What's more, close encounters of the spineless kind await you at Discovery Outpost!
What makes it unique
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The starting point
Fragile Forest teems with wildlife from the different equatorial rainforests, which are home to more than half of all terrestrial life forms though they cover less than 2% of Earth's surface.
Start your journey with an animal-spotting exercise! Can you pick out the well-camouflaged amphibians and invertebrates hidden in exhibits emulating their natural habitats?
Some of these, like the four-lined tree frog, are local species. You might even find them in your own backyard!
Enter the dome
As you enter the biodome and stroll by the motoro rays and whistling ducks in the freshwater pond, you might be greeted by Malayan flying foxes swooping above in the canopy, or stopped in your tracks by the regal hairdo of the crowned pigeon.
Watch out for mousedeer that peek out shyly from the shadows while parrots chatter excitedly overhead.
Up in the trees
Hike up to the viewing platform and the exuberance of the rainforest unleashes in the form of fruit-loving Malayan flying foxes and irrepressible lemurs. Come early to catch the morning feeding frenzy!
Other creatures of the rainforest understorey and canopy that you might meet include the white-faced saki monkeys, two-toed sloth, toco toucan and Prevost’s squirrel. Also look out for the golden lion tamarins as you exit the biodome.
Discovery Outpost
The journey continues outside the dome. At the keeper interactive window, let a caterpillar crawl down your finger and watch the butterfly life-cycle unfold.
You’ll also meet other invertebrates like the hissing cockroaches and rhinoceros beetles. These insect decomposers help break down fallen leaves on the forest floor, recycling the nitrogen within back to living trees and plants.
Invertebrates make up 95% of all fauna species and are indispensable to the ecosystem.
Special Experiences
Canopy Feeding Interaction
Join the fascinating inhabitants of Fragile Forest for their morning snack, with exclusive keeper-led feeding sessions.
Meet some of our incredible animals, including the Malayan Flying Foxes, Ring-tailed Lemurs, Linne’s Two-toed Sloth, Eclectus Parrots, and many more.
Get closer than ever while our expert keepers share intriguing facts about these remarkable creatures!
Invertebrate Interaction
Get up close and personal with our fascinating invertebrates at the Discovery Outpost!
Snap a memorable photo with these often-misunderstood creatures and learn more about their unique role in the ecosystem.
It's a perfect opportunity to conquer any fears and leave with a newfound appreciation for the world of arthropods.
Archer Fish Feeding Interaction
Experience the thrill of our Archer Fish Feeding session, where our trained staff conduct the feeding while you watch these incredible fish shoot jets of water to catch their prey with precision.
Plus, don’t miss the insightful Keeper Talk, where you'll learn fascinating facts about these remarkable creatures and their unique adaptations!
Butterfly Release
Uncover the exquisite beauty of nature's delicate wonders with our butterfly release event, where you'll witness the magical moment as a butterfly takes its first flight.
Learn from our dedicated Animal Care staff about the meticulous care involved in their journey.
Activities are subject to availability and weather conditions. Check signage at the entrance for more information.
Animal Training
Join our Animal Care staff as they conduct a training session with the inhabitants of Fragile Forest.
Explore the methods used to train and care for our diverse zoo residents, and witness how positive reinforcement influences their behaviour.
Activities are subject to availability and weather conditions. Check signage at the entrance for more information.
Animals
Common crowned pigeon
Their namesake blue lacey crests, resembling elaborate crowns, are actually modified feathers, making them truly majestic.
Eclectus parrot
Eclectus parrots are among the best talking birds, easily mimicking human speech and a wide range of sounds like bells, whistles, and even laughter.
Golden lion tamarin
Their namesake mane isn't just for looks. The long fur around their face and ears enhances their hearing and helps with communication within their group.
Jungle nymph
The undisputed queen of stick insects, adult females can reach a whopping 65 grams, making them the heaviest in the world! Males, on the other hand, are slender and lightweight, topping out at around 6 grams.
Malayan horned frog
When threatened, they inflate their throat and let out a loud, unexpected honk that sounds like a cross between a duck and a car horn.
Nicobar pigeon
Unlike its common city cousins, the Nicobar pigeon boasts feathers that shimmer with metallic green, copper, and bronze hues. This iridescence makes them resemble living jewels fluttering through the forest.
Pied imperial pigeon
As the name suggests, they boast a beautiful "pied" pattern, with a mostly white or pale cream body contrasted by striking bluish-black flight and tail feathers.
Prevost's squirrel
Their scientific genus name, Callosciurus, actually means "beautiful squirrel," living up to their stunning orange and black coats. They're considered one of the world's most colorful squirrels!
River toad
When the scorching desert sun beats down, River toads aren't ones to sweat it out. Instead, they burrow into the cool sand, crafting cozy underground hideaways where they'll spend most of the scorching summer.
Spotted whistling duck
Spotted whistling ducks have a variety of whistling and piping calls, used for communication, greeting each other, and even defending their territory.
Zebra dove
True to their name, their feathers are adorned with fine black and white bars, resembling zebra stripes.
